Should you take calcium suppliments?

Calcium supplements, especially for women, are a good idea for most people. Normally doctors recommend an intake of 1000 mg of calcium daily to maintain optimum levels in blood for people belonging to the age group of 18 – 50. RDA calcium for pregnant and lactating women ranges from 1000 – 1300 mg depending on their age. However, women should consult their doctor before consuming calcium or any other kind of supplement products. It is very difficult for most people to obtain this amount of calcium daily through our diets. However, be sure that you are not consuming too much calcium as this can lead to kidney stones, heart problems and neurological problems. Try to stay somewhere around 1000 mg a day.

Hello CebuCity383.....As Jason has stated above, women(particularly post-menopausal) are at a greater risk for osteoporosis....I personally would have a patient get a BDT(Bone Density Test) to determine the risk factors....We do get a certain amount of calcium in the foods that we consume if we are eating a nutrituous meal..However, woman often times do not get enough Calcium and do require supplementals...I have actually told my female patients to chew a couple of Tums prior to their meals...Tums are a relatively safe form of Calcium...However, I think it best to have the bone density testing done prior to initiating a supplemental...Too much calcium can be as bad as not enough....I would urge any woman to have the bone density testing done..This will give us a base line of how well there bone mass is....I hope this was abit helpful....Please, post again if you have further questions or concerns..Good Luck and God Bless